Lori spent over 15 years leading corporate marketing and communications divisions in the financial services, hospitality and franchise restaurant sectors.
As Director of Target Marketing for the Hampton Hotels brand of Hilton Hotels Corporation, Lori managed promotional, direct and Web marketing, as well as custom publishing, for the brand's franchise system. In her role as Vice President of Employee Communications and Development for First Horizon National Corporation, she managed the corporation's internal culture initiatives, communications, and employee recognition programs. Other positions held include Sr. Communications Director/Corporate Editor for TCBY Enterprises, Inc., and Vice President of Marketing for First National Banking Company.
Lori is a founding sponsor and member of the Board of Directors for LaunchMemphis -- an organization committed to developing an entrepreneurial community in Memphis comprised of investors, entrepreneurs and local organizations. In addition, Lori is on the Board of Directors of the Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South and on the Advisory Board for the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County.
She is a sought-after speaker in the Memphis area, delivering sales and marketing keynote addresses and workshops to organizations like: the Memphis Chapter of the American Advertising Federation, the Sales & Marketing Society of the Mid-South, LaunchMemphis, EmergeMemphis, the Memphis Regional Chamber, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.
Lori holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in addition to having completed the University of Colorado's School of Bank Marketing and Management. She is the recipient of numerous industry awards including local and district Addy's, Communicator awards, and a Telly. She received recognition as one of the Memphis Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" recipients in 2009. Lori also served as a contributing ghost writer for the renowned "Complete Idiot's Guide to Guerilla Marketing."
Beyond her passions for marketing and dogs of all shapes and sizes, Lori is an avid traveler, runner and foodie.

10 offline marketing strategies that work

Posted Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 12:00 AM

We’re so knee-deep in the digital age that the phrase “digital marketing” is now synonymous with “marketing.” As such, there is so much digital noise competing for the attention of consumers, your message can be easily lost. That’s why now, more than ever, a combination of offline and online strategies are your best bet.

Consider these old-school, offline strategies as a way to break-through the digital clutter and win the hearts and minds of your prospects.

• Endorsements: Reach out to influencers in your market and give them an opportunity to try your products or services for free in exchange for sharing their experience with their followers.

• Educational Luncheons: Offer to share your expertise with prospects or influencers over lunch as a way to build awareness and credibility in the market.

• Trade Publication Coverage: Sure, there are public relations opportunities with mainstream media, but often, there are fewer businesses clamoring for the attention of trade publication reporters. Consider pitching these outlets on your latest product or service innovation.

• Cross Promotions: To get more out of your marketing budget and to gain exposure to another brand’s built-in audience, consider a cross promotion with a non-competing business that shares a similar target audience.

• Public Speaking: There’s perhaps no better way to establish yourself as an expert than by delivering an informative and inspirational keynote in your field. Approach organizations with memberships that align with your target audience for just such an opportunity.

• Distribute Cards: Put your business cards in unexpected places for your target audience to stumble across, such as in magazines at your doctor’s office (if you sell a consumer healthcare solution) or even inside of the boxes of shoes you try on at your local running store (if you run a gym).

• Celebrate Successes: Did your firm win an award or achieve an important milestone? Consider inviting your customers, prospects and area influencers to your offices to celebrate. People love being part of a winning team, and allowing your customers and prospects to interact can only help your business, assuming your customers are happy.

• Community Event Sponsorship: Consider sponsoring community events that align with your mission and appeal to your target audience. Just be sure to negotiate more than simply being included as one of many logos on a banner or in a program, which rarely pays off.

• Modernize Your Packaging or Presentation: Shop your competitors to see if your packaging and presentation materials stack up. Consider modernizing these consumer-facing materials to improve the first impression you make with prospects.

• Creative Snail Mail: Direct mail is experiencing a bit of a resurgence, given how enamored brands have become with the analytics and low cost offered by email campaigns. An unexpectedly creative package can grab the attention of a decision maker who would quickly hit delete on a sales email.